How to reset your Hotmail password

If you can no longer sign in to Hotmail, don't worry - it is now easier than ever to reclaim your account and get your password working again.

Why reset your password?

There are a few reasons you may want to do this: you might have forgotten your password, suspect somebody has fraudulently gained access to your account or suddenly find yourself unable to log in.

You can reset your password by visiting this password reset link and selecting the appropriate option (each option will allow a reset, just so you know).

Add the password reset link to your Favourites http://account.live.com/resetpassword.aspx

On the next screen you'll be prompted to enter your Windows Live ID (your Hotmail address), followed by a code (a 6 digit code made-up of letters and numbers).

Depending on the password reset information Microsoft hold against your account, you will be given a list of reset options.

You can expect to see the following: Email, SMS, trusted PC, or customer support options.

If you select 'email' an email will be sent to a secondary email account. Click on the link inside this email to reset your password.

Similarly your mobile number can be used to verify your account. Select 'SMS' to have Microsoft send a code to your mobile phone.

Use the 'trusted PC' option if you have set up a private PC (and are currently using it). This option doesn't require you to provide any additional information to verify your account.

Choosing 'customer support' will put you in touch with a customer representative. You will enter into a validation process and be asked a number of questions about your account to prove your
ownership.

In the unfortunate situation that your account has been hacked and the information changed, the representative will validate the account ownership based on the information associated with the account prior to the compromise. So you should use the information you believe you had associated with the account even if you know it has been changed.

How to safeguard your account

Once you have successfully changed your password there are a few other safeguards you should address.

You can configure your password reset information by logging into your account and updating the 'Password Reset Information' section.

Add additional password reset information

1. Add an additional email address to verify your account.

2. And add your mobile number so you can use the 'SMS' reset option.

3. If you are sitting at a private computer, enrol it as your 'trusted PC'. Note: you will need to install Windows Live Essentials on this machine first.


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